DEC opens previously restricted spot at Three Rivers Wildlife Management Area to hunting

One of the two restricted areas at Three Rivers Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Onondaga County has been opened to allow hunting opportunities for the 2010 small game, big game and waterfowl seasons Regional Director Ken Lynch announced today.

The area, known as the “Hundred Acre Marsh,” is located in Lysander and is bounded by Kellogg Road on the south, Smokey Hollow Road on the west, the northern boundary of the management area on the north and Sixty Road on the east. It will be open for public use from sunrise to sunset through Feb. 28, 2011. In future years, it is expected the area will be open beginning Sept. 1 through Feb. 28 from sunrise to sunset, unless otherwise announced.

This area was formerly restricted, primarily to allow for waterfowl production (black ducks and Canada geese). Years of observations by Region 7 Wildlife staff have documented Canada geese and wood ducks (including reproduction of both species), but black duck nesting has not been noted. Public use of this area will only be permitted during the time period listed above, due to the active bald eagle nest that has been present on the marsh for the past five years. Persons are reminded to stay at least one-quarter mile from this and all eagle nests and avoid making loud noises that will disturb the birds.

All New York state rules, regulations and laws pertaining to hunting, trapping, fishing, and the use of Wildlife Management Areas must be followed. For further information contact: Three Rivers Wildlife Management Field Station, 9101 Sixty Road, P.O. Box 172, Phoenix, NY 13135-0172, phone: 315-695-2262 or 315-695-2272. For information on the Three Rivers WMA and directions, go to the DEC Web site.